New abbot blessed at Abbey of the Genesee

Mike Crupi / Catholic Courier | 07.31.2012

Bishop Matthew H. Clark presided during a July 30 Mass and abbatial blessing for Father Gerard D’Souza, the newly-elected abbot of the Abbey of the Genesee in Piffard, Livingston County. Father D’Souza, who entered the abbey in 1992 and was ordained a priest by Bishop Clark in 2001, succeeds Father John Denburger as the leader of the Trappist monastery.

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CRU4385_600 — Fr. John Denburger hands the bishop his crozier.

CRU4393_600 — Monks listen to Bishop Clark’s homily.

CRU4413_600 — Bishop Clark and Father D’Souza embrace.

CRU4423_600 — Priests gather around the altar during Mass.

DSC4524_600_0 — Father D’Souza listens as Bishop Clark reads a blessing.

DSC4527_600 — Father D’Souza lies prostrate.

DSC4542_600 — Father D’Souza hugs outgoing abbot Fr. John Denburger.

DSC4552_600 — Brother Paul Richards prays during the Mass.

DSC4574_600 — Father D’Souza offers communion.

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